Grade II Listed Buildings become Cardiff Sixth Form College’s new Cardiff Bay campus which launches September 2026
They are among the grandest buildings in Cardiff Bay with their story tracing back to the height of the city’s coal trade, when they played a central role in Cardiff’s industrial heritage.
Cory’s Building, a striking stone front property on Bute Street, was originally constructed in 1889. It was named after John Cory, one of the most influential coal exporters and shipowners of the late 19th century, whose company helped make Cardiff the world’s leading coal-exporting port during the industrial boom.
The building’s grand design reflected the wealth and global importance of Cardiff’s coal industry at the time and for many years stood as a symbol of the bay’s trade and the city’s prominence in maritime commerce.
Right next door is another great representation of Cardiff Bay’s Victorian architecture. Merchant Place was originally housing offices for merchants, shipowners, and coal exporters who did business in what was then one of the busiest ports in the world, the row of buildings was constructed during the height of the city’s coal and shipping boom.
The five-storey, Grade II-listed buildings were designed by the architects Bruton and Williams. Cory’s was built for the influential firm Cory Brothers & Co, whose extensive business interests spanned over chandlery, brokerage, colliery and wagon ownership, and coal exporting.
With more coal exported than any other port worldwide in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, back then Cardiff was at the centre of the world’s coal trade. In addition to providing fuel for ships and businesses worldwide, the industry turned Cardiff from a small town into a significant UK city.
Recognising their historical value, Cardiff Council bought both properties, which stand at the gateway to the inner harbour area and the Atlantic Wharf area, opposite one of Wales’ most iconic buildings the Wales Millennium Centre, to safeguard the city’s architectural heritage.
More than a century after they were first built, the buildings are soon set to take on a brand-new purpose. A significant renovation project is underway to transform both Cory’s Building and Merchant Place into a new campus for Cardiff Sixth Form College, one of the UK’s leading independent schools.
The redevelopment is will to bring life to the site, preserving its heritage while adapting it for modern use with Cardiff Sixth Form College’s Cardiff Bay campus ready to open in September 2026.
